Adjustable facial conforming face mask

Abstract

An adjustable face mask having a body conforming substantially to the facial structure of a wearer. The face mask is provided with a neck protector and removable filter and with a strip of fabric designed to push air down to the sides of the wearer's face in order to eliminate fogging of the wearer's goggles. The face mask can optionally provide neck protection with a descending neck member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS INFORMATION[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 221,076, filed Mar. 20, 2014, entitled “ADJUSTABLE FACIAL CONFORMING FACE MASK”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 983,839, filed Jan. 3, 2011, entitled “ADJUSTABLE FACIAL CONFORMING FACE MASK”, and the entire contents of each of the aforementioned documents are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Field of the Invention[0003]The current invention relates generally to face masks and face coverings. More specifically it relates to face masks that provide continuous air filtration, face and neck protection and warmth particularly while the wearer is moving at high speeds such as riding on a motorcycle, skiing, and participating in various motorsports.[0004]Prior Art[0005]It has become ever more popular in recent years for young and older people alike to ride motorcycles. Many motor & power sport enthusi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention provides face and neck protection by means of semi-soft malleable material, such as neoprene, or any other semi-soft malleable material which is face conforming, adjustable to the wearer's nose, having an interior surface adapted to be gentle to the user's skin and having an exterior surface configured to withstand the elements. The material has a thickness and density to afford insulation from wind chill as well as to form a pad against potential impacts from road debris and such other airborne hazards as insects and gravel.

[0014]A means to securely engage the device to the user in a preferred mode, is provided using hook and loop type fastener material, or other fasteners, such as snaps, which are positioned on straps. The straps have a length sufficient to extend around the neck to the back of the user's head with appreciable overlap to allow for secure engagement into the head in the as-used position.

[0017]In another embodiment, the device extends from the bridge of the nose to just below the shoulder line of the wearer, offering full frontal neck coverage as well, a desired embodiment in cold-weather sports.

[0018]In all embodiments, there is a thin semi-rigid malleable strip of material extending around the bridge area of the nose at the upper most interior section of the device. This allows the user to adjust the fit of the device at the nose, allowing for a more custom fit. The thin semi-rigid malleable strip is encased in neoprene or other fabric. In one embodiment this fabric forms a sleeve around the strip. The strip is then affixed to the device at its distal end and center. There is also a strip of material called a ledge or lip, which is attached at one side to the device and contours the edge of the device from just below the nose on the right side to the left side. The ledge can be formed of neoprene and is attached to the interior of the mask by the upper edge part of the ledge hangs over the semi-rigid malleable strip and extends partially along the wearer's upper cheekbones to the right and left of the nose. This additional strip of fabric functions to push air down and out along the sides of the wearer's face, eliminating fogging due to the wearer's breath.

[0021]It is an object of the present invention to provide a user with protection and warmth of the nose / mouth region of the face as well as for the neck when exposed to cold or wind.

[0024]It is still another object of the invention to provide a means for pushing and / or directing air away from the wearer's eyes in order to eliminate fogging of the wearer's goggles. When the user of the device breaths through their nose or mouth air is directed down to the right and left of the nose and mouth rather than upward toward the eyes.

Problems solved by technology

While these sports bring the enthusiast closer to nature, they of necessity tend to introduce the rider to various elements including dust, debris, flying rocks, sand, insects, cold wind, snow and other common hazards.

In addition, other helmets, such as those worn by riders of snowmobiles and dirt bikes, while covering the lower face, allow for greater airflow and thus, expose the rider to cold and other hazards.

Conversely, open-faced helmets provide no face protection whatsoever to the rider that can result in some serious impacts with the rider's face by bugs and road debris in addition to providing no protection from fumes emitted from automobiles on the road.

For skiers, snowmobilers, bike riders, motorcycle riders and other motorsport enthusiasts wearing helmets, full-face helmets tend to fog quickly, especially when employed with the use of goggles.

This most often occurs due to the heavy breathing of the user, and / or temperature differentials between the interior of such shields and the atmosphere.

Further, most such shields afford no form of air filtration to protect the breathing and eyes of the rider in areas prone to dust, smoke, or pollution.

In addition, many of these existing face masks cause additional fogging issues, and, while protecting from wind and dust, do not protect against other air-born contaminants or diesel fuel, a common hazard of street-riding.

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